BELFAST: Immaculate Ireland bowlers gnawed on Indian batters’ impatience on a rather pacy pitch with exemplary lengths, etching a historic 34-run victory in the first T20I match here on Friday. 

It was Ireland’s first-ever victory over reigning T20 world champions India in any format, and the hosts have now taken a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

Chasing 183 on a pitch that had enough assistance for quick bowlers was not improbable but needed a different, pragmatic approach after power play.

Rishabh Pant is poised to reunite with Delhi Capitals ahead of the 2027 Indian Premier League season, with sources confirming that Lucknow Super Giants are preparing to release their former captain as part of a high-profile trade deal. The move will see Pant take a significant pay cut after becoming the most expensive player in IPL history just two years ago.

Trade Deal Nears Completion

Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals are in the final stages of completing a trade that will bring Pant back to the franchise where he spent the majority of his IPL career.

The wicketkeeper-batter is expected to join Delhi Capitals in a deal worth approximately Rs 15 crore (USD 1.5 million). The transaction would represent a salary reduction of Rs 12 crore from the Rs 27 crore contract he received after being purchased by LSG during the IPL 2025 mega auction.

The trade remains subject to approval from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), with both franchises currently finalising the required formalities.

Pant Follows Jadeja in Taking Major Pay Cut

Pant is set to become the second marquee IPL player to accept a substantial salary reduction as part of a franchise trade.

Earlier, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals completed a major player swap involving Ravindra Jadeja and Sanju Samson ahead of IPL 2026, with both franchises adjusting player valuations within the trade arrangement.

The latest move highlights the growing flexibility among franchises in reshaping their squads through player exchanges rather than relying solely on auction dynamics.

Disappointing LSG Stint Ends After Two Seasons

Pant’s tenure with Lucknow Super Giants lasted two seasons and failed to deliver the results the franchise had hoped for after investing a record sum in the star batter.

As captain, he led the side in 28 matches, securing 10 victories while suffering 18 defeats. With the bat, Pant scored 581 runs at an average of 26.4 and a strike rate of 135.74 during his time with the franchise.

Following LSG’s disappointing IPL 2026 campaign, Pant stepped down as captain after the team finished at the bottom of the standings with just four wins in 14 matches.

Before joining Lucknow, Pant had captained Delhi Capitals for four seasons and was one of the franchise’s most recognisable faces. His anticipated return marks a significant homecoming for both the player and the Delhi-based franchise as they look to rebuild for IPL 2027.

New Zealand batting great Kane Williamson on Friday announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing down the curtain on a career spanning more than 15 years across all formats.

The decision marks the end of an era in New Zealand cricket, following his earlier retirement from T20 Internationals in 2025.

“I’ve thought about it for a while, but over the last few days it’s become clear now is the right time. I’ve always felt a strong drive and hunger for international cricket, and I take pride in knowing I’ve given it my all in every match I’ve played for New Zealand,” Williamson said in a statement issued by New Zealand Cricket.

“Continuing with anything less wouldn’t be right and I feel fortunate to step away on my own terms,” he added.

The 35-year-old retires as New Zealand’s all-time leading international run-scorer across formats, with 19,346 runs, including more than 9,500 runs in Test cricket, 33 centuries and six double hundreds.

“One of our greatest ever, signing off. Kane Williamson has announced his retirement from international cricket effective immediately,” the NZC said.

Williamson is currently in England for an ongoing Test series, where New Zealand lost the opening match by 115 runs.